SFI police crackdown intensifies after ‘inspection’ at SFI leader’s house and protest outside cops’ residences

DYFI activists marched to Cantonment Police Station Sub-Inspector Gokul Gopan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, protesting the alleged attack on Government College Hostel students.

Tensions between the Students Federation of India (SFI) and the Thiruvananthapuram police intensified on Sunday, a day after an alleged threat to Cantonment Sub-Inspector Gokul surfaced following a recent clash between Youth Congress workers and SFI activists in the capital.

While the police officer’s alleged communication sparked further protests at the homes of Cantonment Station House Officer (SHO) Satheesh Kumar and a sub-inspector, a subsequent ‘inspection’ at the residence of SFI District Secretary MA Nandan did little to defuse the situation.

A police team led by the Cantonment SHO apparently arrived at Mr. Nandan’s house to search for him while he was away. The SFI leader was holding a press conference in Vanchiyoor when the police operation took place. While local CPI(M) activists intervened after the arrival of the police team, the police reportedly did not proceed with the search inside the house. While the police did not officially disclose the reason for the check, sources said it was related to cases registered in connection with the protests that the head of the SFÚ has recently participated in.

Activists arrested

Meanwhile, the city police arrested three SFI activists in connection with the clash between SFI and Youth Congress workers late on Saturday night. Among the accused is Sreejith, the secretary of the SFÚ unit in the university hostel. Cantonment police have registered cases against 160 people in non-bailable sections. Those booked include 80 SFI activists and 80 Youth Congress and KSU workers, including district-level officials.

District Superintendent of Police (Thiruvananthapuram City) Arul RB Krishna said an investigation is underway into an alleged telephone conversation between the camp’s sub-inspector and Mr Nandan, during which he allegedly threatened the SFI head. In response to protest marches organized to police headquarters, he insisted that the police would continue to fulfill their duties in accordance with the law.

He also informed that six persons have been identified in connection with the recent attack on the Thiruvananthapuram District Congress Committee (DCC) office. One accused has been arrested and remanded in custody while efforts are underway to nab the others. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala urged political leaders to maintain restraint and restore normalcy in the region. He also strongly opposed demonstrations outside police headquarters. Mr. Chennithala also emphasized that the government will not tolerate intimidation, assault or abuse of police officers. However, he clarified that police misconduct will also be investigated and action will be taken if officers are found to have broken the law.

Published – 04 Oct 2026 21:22 IST